Page 137 of Wicked Heirs

“She’s not her mother. I’ve had my spies ensure that.”

“You’ve had people watching her?” I said. Well, it came at as more of a demand, a surge of protectiveness rising aggressively before I could check it.

His lip curled at my reaction, but he didn’t speak to it, instead continuing on, “I ensure that all key individuals are watched. It’s good sense. In fact, it’s a necessity. Moreover, what I understand is the attraction to her based on what she is. The same for her with you. Many years ago, I experienced the same sexual intrigue toward Abigail. She wasn’t above it either.”

“You and her mother?” That was sickening on many levels.

“Briefly. It’s the allure of the dark to the light, and vice-versa. Those of us with great power go through it at one point in our long lives.”

“Did you… you and she… were you?”Fuck,I couldn’t even speak the words. It was making my stomach churn.

“It didn’t get that far. She put a stop to it—too afraid. I see her daughter has overcome that, though.”

“We’re not enamored with one another because ofwhatwe are.”

It was aboutwhowe were. Looking at it in the way he was severely cheapened it and I didn’t like it.

“That’s how you feel now. But in time you’ll see. Just like I did.”

“No. As you said yourself, Alena isn’t her mother. AndI’mnotyou.”

He frowned at how agitated I was getting.

So much for not expressing emotion, for maintaining a strong level of stoicism.

All it had taken was him mentioning her in this sort of way and it had been all barriers down.

Concern marred his brow. “The timing of your infatuation is dangerous.”

“What timing?”

He gestured through the windows at the gardens beyond. “Take a walk with me.”

As I followed him through the meandering corridors of the palace, our shoes clacking on the black marble floors, an unsettling sense of foreboding rolled over me. Adrenaline sparked, my body and mind readying themselves.

None of this boded well.

Especially my father getting cryptic and putting forth an ominous air.

I lagged behind a little, my thoughts bouncing between the current worry of whatever situation he’d truly called me here for, and to Alena and my relationship with her that his comments and attitude threatened to infect.

He eyed me over his shoulder. “What’s the sex like?”

I started. “Excuse me?”

“What’s it like with the Nephilim?”

“Is this some sort of living-vicariously-through-me thing? If so, it’s several levels beyond disturbing, Father.”

He rolled his eyes. “No. Just answer the question.”

“It’s a private matter.”

“Interesting. You’ve always shared your exploits with me.”

Fuck.He’d played me and I’d walked right into it.

“Your feelings for her are deep, Orpheus. I’m surprised, given your usual stance on such matters.”

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